Are vin numbers sequential and is there a way to research by VIN to find out what the overall makeup of the car was. The reason for this question is that my car has an engine number that is correct according to the Protecto plate but the VIN is off by one digit and I am trying to find out if it could be a mistake.

Its most probably a mistake.Would not be the first.The # on the plate matches the #( exT0403MQ) on the VIN pad but the stamping on the Pad(ex 8L308048) is off by 1 car to the VIN on the plate(ex 8L308049) and the tag.If so it is a mistake. And no there is no way to research your problem.Jeff